A perfectly juicy ribeye cooked in the air fryer, finished with rich garlic butter and optional fresh herbs. Simple, flavorful, and restaurant-quality at home.
Ingredients
Ribeye Steak
- 1 ribeye steak, 1.25–1.5 inches thick (400–500 g)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
Optional Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, finely chopped
Optional Finishing
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
- Remove the ribeye from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels.
A dry surface ensures better browning. - Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Press gently to help the seasoning adhere.
- Lightly rub olive oil over both sides of the steak.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 5 minutes.
Preheating helps form a good crust immediately.
Step 3: First Cook
- Place the ribeye in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F (205°C) for 6 minutes.
This step starts browning and renders the fat.
Step 4: Garlic Butter Application
- While the steak cooks, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and herbs in a small bowl.
- After 6 minutes, flip the steak.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over the top.
Step 5: Final Cook
- Return the basket and cook for 4–7 more minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Target Internal Temperatures:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
👉 Remove the steak when it is 5°F below your target temperature.
Step 6: Rest the Steak
- Transfer the steak to a plate.
- Let it rest uncovered for 5–8 minutes.
Resting keeps the steak juicy.
Step 7: Serve
- Slice against the grain or serve whole.
- Finish with flaky sea salt if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Important Notes for Best Results
- Use a thick-cut ribeye for better texture and juiciness
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Flip the steak only once for even cooking
- If garlic browns too quickly, wipe off excess butter and reapply after cooking
